THULA INYONI FOREST RESTORATION INITIATIVE
Restoring the Eastern Mistbelt Forest
Proceeds from Trevor Steyn’s book, Skin as it should be, support Thula iNyoni’s work to restore indigenous forest near Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal.
THE PROJECT
Healing a mistbelt forest
Thula iNyoni began as a small, secluded birding cabin in the indigenous forest near Richmond. Its Forest Restoration Initiative now works to heal that forest by clearing alien invasive species, planting indigenous trees specific to the Eastern Mistbelt Forest and conserving the wild spaces that remain.
The aim is to restore habitat for the forest’s birds, in the hope that endangered species such as the Cape Parrot, South Africa’s only endemic parrot, return. By inspiring other landowners to restore their own land, the project hopes to create ecological corridors that let birds and animals move freely between habitats.
“Over time, we realised that simply enjoying the forest was not enough. We wanted to play a part in restoring it, protecting the biodiversity it holds, and ensuring that it remains a living, thriving ecosystem for generations to come.
Our vision is simple: to restore what has been lost, protect what remains, and leave the natural world and the people around us in a better place than we found them.”
Tyron Walsh, Thula iNyoni
THE FOREST
Life in the mistbelt
The indigenous forest around Thula iNyoni is home to a rich community of birds, plants and trees. Every tree planted helps that community grow.
COMMUNITY
Conservation that includes people
Thula iNyoni partners with the Siyabona Community Development Initiative to support locally driven projects in education, sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
The work includes community gardens at a rural school in the area, and conservation projects that help local youth build skills and find meaningful work.
For Tyron, restoration goes beyond the trees and the birds. It also means investing in the people who call this area home.
Plant an indigenous tree for R150
Your donation goes directly to Thula iNyoni and helps plant indigenous trees, clear alien invasive species, support local communities and empower rural youth.
Visit the forest you helped restore
See the results of your contribution firsthand with a stay at Thula iNyoni’s birding cabin.
Discover Trevor’s book